Gustav Hahn, Artist

Fireplace in the Matthews House panelled ballroom designed by Gustav Hahn, 1899.

The historic houses in Toronto are a reminder of the business, industry, and banking leaders who influenced the shaping of Canada; and of the great architects and artists who added to its rich, distinctive culture.  One of Canada’s distinguished artists is Gustav Hahn (1866 – 1962), painter and sculptor. Trained in Germany and Italy, Gustav Hahn already had extensive experience in European art when he immigrated to Canada with his family in 1888.  He came here just as the Art Nouveau movement was beginning to become highly popular.  His talent was immediately recognized as he set to work painting panels, and designing furniture and other home furnishings for the houses of prominent Toronto citizens.  At this time he also designed theatre façades, curtains, and proscenia.  He soon became Canada’s most important artist working in the Art Nouveau style.

Ceiling by Gustav Hahn, 1892.  Ontario Legislative Chamber, Ontario Legislative Building. 

In 1892, Gustav was commissioned to paint murals on the upper walls and ceiling of the Legislative Chamber of the brand new Ontario Legislative Building.  His completed murals of allegorical figures signifying Justice, Moderation, Power, and Wisdom, and the symbolic design on the ceiling were received with much pleasure.  For some unknown reason, in 1912, his murals and ceiling were covered with several coats of paint.  During the refurbishment of the Chamber in 1994, the artwork was discovered and a meticulous restoration of the murals and the ceiling began.  Gustav’s ceiling painting of gold and brown maple leaves on a green background has now been exposed.  The work on the murals is progressing, but is not yet complete because this can be done only while the House is in recess.

A portion of the frieze recognized as being Gustav Hahn's work, 1898.  Billiard room of Spadina House.

Though unsigned, the rhythmic, stunning Art Nouveau frieze of 1898 on the walls of the billiard room of Spadina House is recognized as being Gustav Hahn’s work.

Panelled Ballroom designed by Gustav Hahn, 1899.

In 1899, Gustav decorated the one-story Art Nouveau panelled ballroom of the Matthews House at 89 St. George Street, now the Newman Centre at the University of Toronto.  The fireplace is pictured at the beginning of this post.

Ceiling by Gustav Hahn, 1902.  Flavelle House.

In 1902, Gustav painted the exquisite Art Nouveau ceiling in the elegant Georgian Great Hall of Flavelle House, now part of the University of Toronto Law School.

Without a doubt, Gustav’s greatest masterpiece was his magnificent ceiling of St. Paul’s Methodist Church on Avenue Road, painted in 1890.  He covered the entire ceiling with angels, lilies, and vines in his graceful Art Nouveau style.  Unfortunately, a fire occurred in 1995 destroying the entire church that resulted in an enormous loss to the art world.

His other work in private and public buildings came from private commissions, and those he received through the design firm Elliot and Son.  Gustav’s work includes a frieze for the Bank of Nova Scotia at Yonge and Bloor Streets, a mural for the Central Methodist Church, a spandrel for the Bank of Nova Scotia, the curtain and proscenium for Shea’s Theatre, decorations in the chancel of St. John the Evangelist in Montreal, the ceiling over the main altar of St. James Cathedral, Truth and Justice at the Toronto old City Hall, and a stained glass window over the altar of Calvin Presbyterian on Delisle Avenue.  It is heartbreaking to note that a great deal of his work in private and public buildings has been lost due to renovations and demolitions as the city expanded. 

Gustav worked prolifically throughout his long career.  His list of memberships was long:  the Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers, the Canadian Society of Applied Art, the Toronto Arts and Crafts Society, the Arts and Letters Club, the Ontario Society of Artists, and the Royal Canadian Academy.  Gustav showed his creations at art exhibitions all over Canada.  Several of his paintings and drawings are now in the National Gallery of Canada permanent collection.  For many years until he was 80 years of age, he was a teacher at the Ontario College of Art where he taught some who would later become important artists.  Despite a hectic teaching schedule and working on commissions, he found time to teach additional classes at the Royal Ontario Museum, and at Toronto’s Central Technical School.  Through his work and his teaching, Gustav Hahn has left an outstanding legacy.

A portion of the ceiling by Gustav Hahn, 1902.  Flavelle House.

Flavelle House

Flavelle House (Holwood), built 1902

Few people take the time to appreciate the large house that sits with gracious dignity set back from Queeen’s Park Crescent, as they drive downtown every day.

The Living Room at Flavelle House

The University of Toroto Law school students who use Flavelle House every day have a better opportunity to take part in its beauty enjoying the interior and exterior aspects of its architecture and decoration.

The Georgian Great Hall Fireplace

Flavelle House is one of the University of Toronto Law School buildings.  It was originally built in 1902 by Sir Joseph Flavelle (1858-1939), a Canadian businessman and philanthropist, on land leased for 99 years from the University.  The arrangement was that the premises were to be used by Sir Joseph, Lady Flavelle and their dependents, but given back to the University at the end of the 99-year term.

Gustav Hahn Ceiling

Sir Joseph built the house, originally called Holwood, using the plans of the Toronto architects Pearson and Darling.  It is said he avoided anything pretentious and may have been unaware of the grand scale of the architectural drawings.  Holwood emerged as a splendid edifice in the Second Classical Revival style, somewhat grander than Sir Joseph had apparently anticipated.  The house was donated to the University in 1940, because none of Sir Joseph’s descendents chose to live there after his death.

Gustav Hahn Ceiling

The interior of Flavelle House is designed with superb architectural features including mosaic floors and beautiful woodwork.  The elegant Georgian Great Hall features the historically important Art Nouveau ceiling painted by Gustav Hahn (1866-1962).  The ceiling is beautifully decorated with four floating angels.  It is fitting for our future lawyers at the University of Toronto Law School to have the pleasure of being surrounded by beauty as they take some inspiration from the angels while reading the law.

Gustav Hahn Ceiling

The Eglinton Hunt Club

My love for Toronto grows as I walk in its old neighbourhoods and take in the architecture of the past.  The stories the buildings tell add important details to the City’s cultural history. There is much of interest about Toronto’s noble history, the founding people, the settlers and immigrants.
 

Eglinton Hunt Club clubhouse, Jan. 26, 2012

The Eglinton Hunt Club clubhouse, now housing several luxury condominium apartments, is a distinguished landmark in North Toronto.  The building is described as English Period Revival with medieval and Classical features inspired by country-house architecture.

Eglinton Hunt Club clubhouse, 1932,  photo: City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 2394

When it was built in 1928, the clubhouse was surrounded by open fields, just right for its equestrian activities.  It was built by the eminent Toronto architects Vaux and Bryan Chadwick, many of whose properties are acknowledged on the City of Toronto Inventory of Heritage Properties.  One wing housed the dining room, kitchen and second-floor dancehall and apartment; and another wing contained locker rooms and a gymnasium.  A swimming pool and a bowling alley were in the basement.  An indoor riding school wing was attached to the rear end of the building.
  

Eglinton Hunt Club, ca. 1926, photo: City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 2283

The Eglinton Hunt Club officially received its name in 1922 when the Toronto Hunt Club was renamed.  The Toronto Hunt is the second oldest continuously run hunt in North America. It was first formed in 1843 by the military officers of the Garrison in the City.  The Club, after operating in various locations, found its first permanent home with its own clubhouse in 1893 near the Scarborough Bluffs.  As the suburbs grew closer, George Beardmore, Master of the Hunt from 1893 to 1931, purchased land north of Eglinton Avenue and moved the Club there in 1919. Stables were built at the new location to accommodate 150 horses. George also purchased a house nearby, called Willowbank, which served as the clubhouse until the new one was built in 1928.  In 1932 the Eglinton Hunt Club was renamed Toronto and North York Hunt Club.
  

Willowbank built 1880s, Feb. 5, 2012

Because of financial pressure of the 1930s and continuing residential growth, the Club sold the property to the Government of Canada in 1939, and moved outside of the city where it continues to flourish.
 

Eglinton Hunt Club women polo players ca. 1934, photo: City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 1320

Sometimes it is difficult to deal with the changes in a city and think of what might have been.  I know where one of the bridle paths is and can imagine seeing the riders on their beautiful horses.  A friend recently said that if you know what was there before, traces of the past remain as the city changes.  

References:
City of Toronto records

Toronto Interior Design Show, IDS12

On Friday, I went to the IDS12, the Toronto Design Show to see what's new in style, colour and design.  I always lean toward quality in products and designs that have a timeless appeal.  The exhibitors were anxious to give me detailed information of the products as I made my way along the many booths.

The products featured here particularly appealed to me.

Town and Country Fireplaces

This Town and Country fireplace is the world's largest factory-built vent gas fireplace.  It is grand at 54" X 44".  The tall flames behind a non-reflective ceramic glass look like an open fire.  There are other fireplace-surround choices available for this fireplace to suit your taste.  John Slaven at Marsh's Stoves and Fireplaces in Toronto can give you all the specifications.

Modallion rug

This exquisite rug is one of the Modallion collection of rugs designed by Robyn Waffle.   It is of a tribal motif with circle of life imagery in subtle colouring.  Modallion has its rugs hand-woven in Nepal.  This one is of wool and silk.  There are many more designs, colours, and sizes in the collection.

Modallion is a division of Reznick Carpets owned by Jordan Reznick.  Through Modallion, Jordan brings new designs to the traditional art form of rug making.

    

Hansgrohe Axor bathtub

For a luxurious soak in the bathtub, this freestanding bathtub is the ultimate in design.  It is deep enough to fully immerse and high enough at one end to rest your head.  The continental shower stand beside the tub adds to the luxury of bath time.

Giovanni de Maio tile floor   Photo: Giovanni de Maio

These tiles were produced on the Amalfi coast of Italy by Giovanni de Maio which draws on a two hundred year art pottery tradition.  Each tile is handmade and hand-decorated.  The wall and floor tiles come in many different traditional and modern patterns.  Seeing them filled me with a sense of warmth and beauty.

When I left that afternoon, I had the confidence that quality, value, good design, and craftsmanship are the continuing characteristics of this important show.  

Approaching Christmas

The Holiday season is filled with tradition. At this time of year, we hold fast to our cultural tradition and practices that are ages-old or are family rituals.   At times we broaden the tradition by adding our own touches.  A few years ago a friend and I began the tradition of getting our Christmas shopping underway by taking time to go to lunch and later shop for the rest of the afternoon.  I’ve always enjoyed this special day.

We started off with lunch at a special café.  Later, we enjoyed viewing the beautifully designed Christmas displays.

I caught a glimpse inside Holt Renfrew.

The William Ashley Christmas tree is resplendent.

Tiffany's is decorated with fir and cedar.

Everyone could use a Louis Vuitton bag. I can't get enough of seeing the colour orange this year. It's warming in the cold.

For lasting pleasure, nothing is better than a diamond tennis bracelet from Birks.

Spadina House Garden in October

The Pergola, 1909.  The begonias and clematis terniflora are still in bloom

The garden surrounding the stately Spadina House goes back to 1818 when the Baldwin family first lived at Spadina and lives on, as it has beautifully aged through the Victorian and Edwardian periods to the present day.  The design and plantings were enhanced by James Austin's family and descendants from 1866 to 1978.  It is divided into a large lawn area with flower beds, a perennial garden including a kitchen garden, and an orchard with berry bushes and grapes.


The grand Victorian house we know as Spadina was built by James Austin in 1866 on the foundation of the Baldwins' house.  Between 1897 and 1913, James' son Albert and his wife added late-Victorian and Edwardian extensions to the house, including the Carrère and Hastings glass and wrought iron porte-cochère in 1905.  A better view of the porte-cochère is in my March 2011 blog post Spadina House.   
  

A glimpse of the front door, and the porte-cochère, 1905

I visited in early October before the first frost and entered the garden through the stone pergola toward the front of the house where the deep red dahlias were dazzling and in full bloom.

                 


I took time to enjoy the majesty and detail of the urns dating from 1912 on the terrace balustrade. 

The large lawn area with its carefully placed trees gave me a sense of peace, and invited me to stay for a while.  This is where the family and their friends played lawn tennis and croquet.

Looking toward the edge of the escarpment

The old oak trees date from prior to 1866

  

The land lies on the Davenport escarpment to the south where through the trees, it overlooks the old city of Toronto and Lake Ontario in the distance.  It was from the edge of the escarpment that James Austin and his family watched the fireworks celebrating Canada's Confederation on July 1, 1867. In 1905, Albert Austin built a low semi-circular red brick crenellated wall around the concrete platform where the family sat to enjoy the view, and called it The Battery.

The Battery ca. 1905

Seeing the European beech reminded me again of the Austins' impeccable taste.  Its magnificent crown is fitting for this grand garden.

The back of Spadina House looked imposing as I walked toward the perennial border and kitchen garden. .

Spadina House, eastern façade

The kitchen garden of perennials, cutting garden, and vegetables was in the final stages of the growing season before the imminent autumnal frost.

The red cabbages were ready for harvesting.

Beyond the cedar hedge north of the kitchen garden, I found the orchard filled with many varieties of apples. Many have had to be replaced over the years, but some of the existing apple trees were planted in 1900.

Looking back from the orchard at the dignified Victorian house, I was impressed by the superb harmonious garden design, even in this utilitarian part of the garden.  

The grape arbour is on the right

When you visit Spadina House, take time to enjoy the romantic old garden.  Spadina is a jewel in the city, and has become my very favourite museum.

The Facebook page Save Spadina House was created to build awareness of preserving this important museum, an historical treasure.  I hope you will like the page.   

Espalier at Royal Botanical Gardens

Pergola in Hendrie Park, Royal Botanical Gardens

When I walked along the pergola in Hendrie Park, Royal Botanical Gardens, I was thrilled to see that the walls of the pergola were made up of vines and trees trained in espalier form.  Espalier is a way of training a tree or shrub on an independent trellis, or forced flat against a wall.

  

Hendrie Park pergola, Royal Botanical Gardens

The formal design used here is known as palmette horizentale where symmetrical branches are forced straight out in horizontal form.

Hendrie Park pergola, Royal Botanical Gardens

The people in the Middle Ages first used espalier to grow fruit trees within the confines of town walls in order to maximize fruit production in a small space using as little space as possible.

Climbing hydrangea, Hendrie Park, Royal Botanical Gardens

The pergola in Hendrie Park shows that many non-fruiting plants plants can be espaliered for decorative reasons, including magnolias, service berries, and climbing hydrangeas.

Whenever I see espaliers, it makes me nostalgic for my childhood home where my father trained dwarf apple trees flat against the south wall of our house in a formal design known as palmette verrier.  Palmette verrier has the branches symmetrically forced straight horizontally, and then bent straight up vertically to form a design resembling a candelabra or Jewish menorah.  Our trees produced an abundance of fruit, were decorative, and enhanced the wall in all four seasons.  

Formal Gardens

Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington ON

My favourite style of garden is a formal garden. I’m also partial to a structured garden with a mix of predominately formal elements and some informal elements. A formal garden gives a sense of calm and serenity. With its symmetry, balance, rhythm in repetition, straight lines, clipped hedging, and geometrical precision, it is attractive in all seasons. In northern regions, a formal garden is stunning during the winter season.


Casa Loma, Toronto ON

The look of a formal garden is controlled. It is a tamed landscape not found in nature. It has bones and structure made up of walls, hedges, paths and possibly statuary, all of which are more important than the plants. Form is most important and plants are secondary. Most often the plants chosen for a formal garden are those easiest to handle. The plants are arranged following rigid guidelines and only a limited number of species are planted in large quantities to add a uniform look.

Parkwood, Oshawa ON

We think of formal gardens being large but even small home gardens can be formal using a dwarf boxwood or yew hedge to enclose flowers, vegetables or herbs. To achieve a formal ambience in a small home garden, it works best to have a structured garden with a mix of formal and informal elements. This can be achieved by having clipped hedges and less formal plantings as part of the overall design.

Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington ON